EFL Students’ Challenges of Online Courses at Van Lang University during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54855/ijte.22221

Keywords:

challenges, online courses, EFL students, COVID-19

Abstract

In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly influenced most activities around the world, especially EFL education. Due to the pandemic, all schools and colleges must turn traditional education into online education through online learning platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and so forth. The research aims to investigate the concentration challenges that EFL students at Van Lang University are encountering while they are studying online. The paper used quantitative and qualitative methods by conducting questionnaire surveys and semi-structured interviews with 100 second-year, third-year, and four-year students at the Faculty of Foreign Languages of Van Lang University (VLU). Based on the data collection, the results of this research have demonstrated that most EFL students faced some common distractions like external noises, unstable internet connections, the harmful effects of too much screen time, and so on. After the investigation, this study suggests that lecturers at the Faculty of Foreign Languages of Van Lang University look for numerous positive solutions to solve EFL students' trouble in order to enhance the quality of online courses.

Author Biographies

  • Pham Manh Tri, Faculty of Foreign Languages, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

    Pham Manh Tri is an undergraduate of Van Lang University's Faculty of Foreign Languages in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, discusses the challenges of online learning, as well as its effects on EFL students’ academic performance. The Faculty of Foreign Languages at Van Lang University is where he is currently conducting his research.

  • Luu Thi Tu Uyen, Faculty of Foreign Languages, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

    Luu Thi Tu Uyen is an undergraduate of Van Lang University's Faculty of Foreign Languages in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, discusses the challenges of online learning, as well as its effects on EFL students’ academic performance. The Faculty of Foreign Languages at Van Lang University is where she is currently conducting her research.

  • Mai Thi Hoang Uyen, Faculty of Foreign Languages, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

    Mai Thi Hoang Uyen is an undergraduate of Van Lang University's Faculty of Foreign Languages in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, discusses the challenges of online learning, as well as its effects on EFL students’ academic performance. The Faculty of Foreign Languages at Van Lang University is where she is currently conducting her research.

  • Thai Thuy Thuy Trang, Faculty of Foreign Languages, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

    Thai Thuy Thuy Trang is an undergraduate of Van Lang University's Faculty of Foreign Languages in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, discusses the challenges of online learning, as well as its effects on EFL students’ academic performance. The Faculty of Foreign Languages at Van Lang University is where she is currently conducting her research.

  • Ngo Thi Cam Thuy, Faculty of Foreign Languages, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

    Ms. Ngo Thi Cam Thuy, M.A. and doctoral candidate in TESOL, is a lecturer of Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City. She has had more than 25 years teaching English- majoring students. She presented her Research at GloCALL 2019, AALA 2019, CAMTESOL 2020, OPENTESOL 2020, VIETTESOL 2020 and Asia CALL 2021. Her main interests include Professional Development, Methodology, Learner Autonomy, Language Assessment and Emotion Regulation.

References

Aboagye, E., Yawson, J. A., & Appiah, K. N. (2020). COVID-19 and E-Learning: the Challenges of Students in Tertiary Institutions. Social Education Research, 2(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.37256/ser.212021422

Adnan, M., & Anwar, K. (2020). Online Learning amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: Students' Perspectives. Journal of Pedagogical Sociology and Psychology, 2(1), 45-51. http://www.doi.org/10.33902/JPSP.2020261309

Ahmad, S. Z. (2016). The Flipped Classroom Model to Develop Egyptian EFL Students' Listening Comprehension. English Language Teaching, 9(9), 166-178. http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/elt.v9n9p166

Alhamami, M. (2019). Learners’ beliefs about language-learning abilities in face-to-face & online settings. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 16(1), 1-23. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-019-0162-1

Allo, M. D. G. (2020). Is the online learning good in the midst of Covid-19 Pandemic? The case of EFL learners. Jurnal Sinestesia, 10(1), 1-10. Retrieved from https://www.sinestesia.pustaka.my.id/journal/article/view/24

Alodwan, T. (2021). Online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspectives of English as foreign language students. Educational Research and Reviews, 16(7), 279-288. https://doi.org/10.5897/ERR2021.4169

Al-Shamsi, A., Al-Mekhlafi, A. M., Al Busaidi, S., & Hilal, M. M. (2020, August). The Effects of Mobile Learning on Listening Comprehension Skills and Attitudes of Omani EFL Adult Learners. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 19(8), 16-39. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.19.8.2

Altunay, D. (2019). EFL Students’ Views on Distance English Language Learning in a Public University in Turkey. Studies in English Language Teaching, 7(1), 121-134. https://doi.org/10.22158/selt.v7n1p121

Ariyanti, A. (2020). EFL Students' Challenges towards Home Learning Policy During Covid-19 Outbreak. Indonesian Journal of English Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics (IJELTAL), 5(1), 167-175. Retrieved from http://ijeltal.org/index.php/ijeltal/article/view/649

Atmojo, A. E. P., & Nugroho, A. (2020). EFL Classes Must Go Online! Teaching Activities and Challenges during COVID-19 Pandemic in Indonesia. Register Journal, 13(1), 49–76. https://doi.org/10.18326/rgt.v13i1.49-76

Baylor A. L., & Ritchie. D. (2002). What factors facilitate teacher skill, teacher morale, and perceived student learning in technology-using classrooms? Computers & Education, 39(4), 395-414. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0360-1315(02)00075-1

Benson, A. D. (2002). Using Online Learning To Meet Workforce Demand: A Case Study of Stakeholder Influence. Quarterly Review of Distance Education, 3(4), 443-452. Retrieved from https://www.learntechlib.org/p/95258/

Byun, S. & Slavin, R. E. (2020). Educational Responses to the COVID-19 Outbreak in South Korea. Best Evid Chin Edu, 5(2), 665-680. http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3652607

Carliner, S. (2004). An overview of online learning (2nd ed.). Armherst, MA: Human Resource Development Press.

Conrad, D. (2002). Deep in the hearts of learners: Insights into the nature of online community. Journal of Distance Education, 17(1), 1−19.

Eom, S. B., Wen, H. J., & Ashill, N. (2006). The determinants of students’ perceived learning outcomes and satisfaction in university online education: An empirical investigation. Decision Sciences Journal of Innovative Education, 4(2), 215-235. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4609.2006.00114.x

Erickson, M., & Wattiaux, M. (2021). Practices and perceptions at the COVID‐19 transition in undergraduate animal science courses. Natural Sciences Education, 50(1), 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1002/NSE2.20039

Farrah, M. & al-Bakry, G. H. (2020). Online learning for EFL students in Palestinian universities during corona pandemic: Advantages, challenges and solutions. Indonesian Journal of Learning and Instruction, 3(2), 65-78. DOI: https://doi.org/10.25134/ijli.v3i2.3677

Fox, N. (2009). Using interviews in a research project. The NIHR RDS for the East Midlands/Yorkshire & the Humber, 26.

Gonzalez, D., & Louis, R. St. (2018). Online Learning. The TESOL Encyclopedia of English Language Teaching, 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118784235.eelt0423

Gulnaz, F., Althomali, A. D. A., & Alzeer, D. H. (2020). An investigation of the perceptions and experiences of the EFL teachers and learners about the effectiveness of blended learning at Taif University. International Journal of English Linguistics, 10(1), 329−344. https://doi.org/10.5539/ijel.v10n1p329

Hidalgo-Camacho, C., Escudero, G. I., Villacís, W., & Varela, K. (2021). The effects of online learning on EFL students’ academic achievement during coronavirus disease pandemic. European Journal of Educational Research, 10(4), 1867-1879. https://doi.org/10.12973/eu-jer.10.4.1867

Hijazi, D & AlNatour, A. (2021). Online learning challenges affecting students of English in an EFL context during covid-19 pandemic. International Journal of Education and Practice, 9(2), 379-395. DOI: 10.18488/journal.61.2021.92.379.395

Islam, N., Beer, M., & Slack, F. (2015). E-Learning Challenges Faced by Academics in Higher Education: A Literature Review. Journal of Education and Training Studies, 3(5), 102–112. https://doi.org/10.11114/jets.v3i5.947

Istifci, I. (2016). Perceptions of Turkish EFL Students on Online Language Learning Platforms and Blended Language Learning. Journal of Education and Learning, 6(1), 113-121. http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/jel.v6n1p113

Ja’ashan, M. M. N. H. (2020). The challenges and prospects of using E-learning among EFL students in Bisha University. Arab World English Journal, 11(1), 124−137. https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol11no1.11

Jhon, W., Mustadi, A., & Zubaidah, E. (2020). Online Learning during Covid-19 Pandemic: Does It Run Well? Jurnal Pendidikan Progresif, 10(3), 440-454. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.23960/jpp.v10.i3.202005

Khabbaz, M., & Najjar, R. (2015). Moodle-based distance language learning strategies: An evaluation of technology in language classroom. International Journal of Applied Linguistics and English Literature, 4(4), 205-210. doi:10.7575/aiac.ijalel.v.4n.4p.205

Kuama, S., & Intharaksa, U. (2016). Is Online Learning Suitable for All English Language Students? PASAA: Journal of Language Teaching and Learning in Thailand, 52, 53-82.

Luu, T. M. V. (2022). Readiness for Online Learning: Learners’ Comfort and Self-Directed Learning Ability. International Journal of TESOL & Education, 2(1), 213–224. https://doi.org/10.54855/ijte.222113

Mahyoob, M. (2020). Challenges of e-Learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic Experienced by EFL Learners. Arab World English Journal, 11(4), 351-362. https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol11no4.23

Meşe, E. & Sevilen, Ç. (2021). Factors influencing EFL students’ motivation in online learning: A qualitative case study. Journal of Educational Technology and Online Learning, 4(1), 11-22. http://doi.org/10.31681/ jetol.817680

Muslimin, A. I., & Harintama, F. (2020). Online learning during pandemic: Students' motivation, challenges, and alternatives. Loquen: English Studies Journal, 13(2), 60-68. http://dx.doi.org/10.32678/loquen.v13i2.3558

Nashruddin, N., Alam, F. A., & Tanasy, N. (2020). Perceptions of Teacher and Students on the Use of E-Mail as A Medium in Distance Learning. Berumpun: International Journal of Social, Politics, and Humanities, 3(2), 182-194. https://doi.org/10.33019/berumpun.v3i2.40

Nguyen, H. U. N., & Duong, L. N. T. (2021). The Challenges of E-learning Through Microsoft Teams for EFL Students at Van Lang University in COVID-19. AsiaCALL Online Journal, 12(4), 18-29. Retrieved from https://asiacall.info/acoj/index.php/journal/article/view/60

Nugroho, A. D. (2020). How E-Learning Deals with Higher Education during the Pandemic in Indonesia. Loquen: English Studies Journal, 13(2), 51-59. https://doi.org/10.32678/loquen.v13i2.3555

Octaberlina, L. R., & Muslimin, A. I. (2020). EFL Students Perspective towards Online Learning Barriers and Alternatives Using Moodle/Google Classroom during COVID-19 Pandemic. International Journal of Higher Education, 9(6), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.5430/ijhe.v9n6p1

Paechter, M., Maier, B., & Macher, D. (2010). Students’ expectations of, and experiences in e-learning: Their relation to learning achievements and course satisfaction. Computers & education, 54(1), 222-229. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2009.08.005

Pellegrini, M., Uskov, V., & Casalino, N. (2020). Reimagining and re-designing the post-COVID-19 higher education organizations to address new challenges and responses for safe and effective teaching activities. Law and Economics Yearly Review Journal - LEYR, Queen Mary University, London, UK, 9(part 1), 219-248. Retrieved from https://ssrn.com/abstract=3659062

Phan, T. N. T., Ho, D. V., & Nguyen, T. H. L. (2022). Improving Non-Majored Freshmen’s Speaking Fluency in the E-learning Environment through the MS-Teams. International Journal of TESOL & Education, 2(1), 251–271. https://doi.org/10.54855/ijte.222116

Picciano, A. G., & Seaman, J. (2009). K-12 Online Learning: A 2008 Follow-Up of the Survey of U.S. School District Administrators. Needham, MA: The Sloan Consortium.

Ramos, R. (2015). Pro and Cons for using Edpuzzle. Tech Review. Retrieved from http://edpuzzle01.weebly.com/blog/pro-and-cons-for-using-edpuzzle

Sai, G. T. B., Lin, A. L. W., & Belaja, K. (2013). Challenges faced by distance learners to learn the English language at the school of distance education, Universiti Sains Malaysia. Malaysian Journal of Distance Education, 15(1), 43-53. Retrieved from http://mjde.usm.my/vol15_1_2013/4_MJDE15_1.pdf

Sarvestani, M. S., Mohammadi, M., Afshin, J. & Raeisy, J. (2019). Students’ experiences of e-Learning challenges: A phenomenological study. Interdisciplinary Journal of Virtual Learning in Medical Sciences, 10(3), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.30476/IJVLMS.2019.45841

Selim, H. M. (2007). Critical success factors for e-learning acceptance: Confirmatory factor models. Computers & Education, 49(2), 396-413. doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2005.09.004

Singh, V., & Thurman, A. (2019). How Many Ways Can We Define Online Learning? A Systematic Literature Review of Definitions of Online Learning (1988-2018). American Journal of Distance Education, 33(4), 289–306. https://doi.org/10.1080/08923647.2019.1663082

Smedley, J. (2010). Modelling the impact of knowledge management using technology. OR Insight, 23(4), 233–250. https://doi.org/10.1057/ori.2010.11

Srichanyachon, N. (2014). The barriers and needs of online learners. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 15(3), 50-59. https://doi.org/10.17718/tojde.08799

Tabiri, M. O., Jones-Mensah, I., Fenyi, D. A., & Asunka, S. (2022). Challenges of online learning of English/French language in higher education in Ghana. Journal of Language and Linguistic Studies, 18(1), 207-222. Doi: 10.52462/jlls.176

Tanveer, M. (2011). Integrating e-learning in classroom-based language teaching: Perceptions, challenges and strategies. In International conference ICT for language learning, Italy (4th ed.). Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/293263940_Integrating_E-learning_in_Classroom-based_Language_Teaching_Perceptions_Challenges_and_Strategie

Thuy, N. T. Cam (2021, March). EFL Teachers’ Emotion Regulation in Response to Online-Teaching at Van Lang University. In 17th International Conference of the Asia Association of Computer-Assisted Language Learning (AsiaCALL 2021) (pp. 80-87). Atlantis Press. https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.210226.010

Tichavsky, L. P., Hunt, A. N., Driscoll, A., & Jicha, K. (2015). It’s just nice having a real teacher: Student perceptions of online versus face-to-face instruction. International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 9(2), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.20429/ijsotl.2015.090202

Tran, T. T. M. (2021). Microsoft Teams in the context of freshmen ELF learning. AsiaCALL Online Journal, 12(2), 12-23. Retrieved from https://asiacall.info/acoj/index.php/journal/article/view/22

Van Lang University (2020). Decision No.109/QĐ/VL-HĐT 18th, August, 2020 of Chairman of the Van Lang University’s Council about Educational Philosophy. Retrieved from https://en.vanlanguni.edu.vn/van-lang-university/education-philosophy-mission-core-values

Volery, T., & Lord, D. (2000). Critical success factors in online education. The International Journal of Educational Management. 14(5), 216-223.

Wahab, S., & Iskandar, M. (2020). Teacher's Performance to Maintain Students’ Learning Enthusiasm in the Online Learning Condition. JELITA, 1(2), 34-44. Retrieved from https://jurnal.stkipmb.ac.id/index.php/jelita/article/view/63

Wright, K. B. (2005). Researching Internet-based populations: Advantages and disadvantages of online survey research, online questionnaire authoring software packages, and web survey services. Journal of computer-mediated communication, 10(3), JCMC1034. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1083-6101.2005.tb00259.x

Yuzulia, I. (2021). The Challenges of Online Learning during Pandemic: Students' Voice. Wanastra: Jurnal Bahasa Dan Sastra, 13(1), 08–12. https://doi.org/10.31294/w.v12i1

Downloads

Published

14-03-2022

Issue

Section

Research Article

How to Cite

Pham, M. T., Luu, T. T. U., Mai, . T. H. U., Thai, T. T. T., & Ngo, T. C. T. (2022). EFL Students’ Challenges of Online Courses at Van Lang University during the COVID-19 Pandemic. International Journal of TESOL & Education, 2(2), 1-26. https://doi.org/10.54855/ijte.22221

Similar Articles

71-80 of 139

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.